Friday, 7 May 2010

Croatia - How has the prospect of EU accession affected the Croatian pharmaceutical market?

Croatia has boosted investments in healthcare and updated legislation in preparation for EU membership.

Croatia applied for EU membership in February 2003 and has worked hard to align its legislation with the EU acquis. Following a number of political hurdles, Croatia was able to resume talks on EU membership in October 2009, once neighbouring Slovenia had lifted a block on negotiations. When Croatia becomes a member state, most likely in 2011, the pharmaceutical market will benefit from free access to the larger European market. The prospect of EU accession has increased investments into the Croatian healthcare system, as the country has sought to bring it up to European standards. It has also prompted the authorities to align Croatian law with EU legislation. The Medicinal Products Act came into force in July 2007 and a bylaw was adopted in December 2008 to ensure full harmonisation with EU legislation.